NASA-backed research turns plastic waste into 3D-printed food

Dr. Lahiru Jayakody, a Sri Lankan microbiologist at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, is leading NASA-backed research to convert plastic waste and plant material into edible, 3D-printed cookies. The project, which produces protein-rich cookies named ‘µBites’, utilizes a process called Oxidative Hydrothermal Dissolution to break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic and discarded corn plant material into compounds that microorganisms can consume.

Specially prepared bacteria or yeast convert these compounds into a nutrient-dense biomass containing proteins, fats, and essential sugars. This paste is then mixed with fiber, starch, and flavorings before being processed by a 3D food printer. While current production costs are estimated at approximately US$60 per kilogram, the technology offers significant potential for long-duration space missions, such as future travel to Mars, by allowing astronauts to repurpose spacecraft waste into nutritious food.